HC directs CBI to hand over Abhaya case to local unit

Kochi, Oct 23 (UNI) The Kerala High Court today directed the CBI to handover the investigation into Sister Abhaya murder case to the central agency's local unit by November 3.

Justice R Basant directed the CBI to handover the investigation to the local unit, as per an earlier court order, and file a report before the Ernakulam Chief Judicial Magistrate before November 3.

The order was issued after considering a report from the CJM, Ernakulam, stating that the investigation was not handed over to the state unit as per the court order.

The Judge also made it clear that CBI Investigating Officer R K Aggarwal would have to appear before it and state reasons for not handing over the case as per the order, if the case was not transferred within 10 days.

The Judge also expressed dissatisfaction over the fact that the CBI had not handed over the case even after a court order. The CBI's contention that they were preparing an appeal against the order was not an excuse, he observed.

The court would consider the case on November 3.

Sister Abhaya was found dead in the well of the St Pious Convent at Kottayam in 1992.